Portable compliance dispenser

ABSTRACT

A portable compliance dispenser provides a compliance module that is removably attached to a replaceable refill container, which carries any suitable liquid material, such as sanitizer. The compliance module is configured to be worn or carried by an individual and communicates hygiene compliance data to a remote monitoring station when material from the refill container is dispensed.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention generally relates to dispensers, such as sanitizerdispensers. In particular, the present invention relates to portabledispensers capable of collecting hygiene compliance data. Moreparticularly, the present invention relates to portable dispensers thatcollect and transmit hygiene compliance data to a remote monitoringstation.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Recently, the public has become increasingly concerned with disease andits transmission, and as such, there is an increased awareness of theimportance of hand cleansing and hygiene in general. For example, withrespect to the transmission of E. coli in the food services industry,the rhinovirus in elementary schools, and nosocomial diseases withinhealthcare facilities, numerous studies have cited hand hygiene as aneffective measure to guard against disease transmission. In response,health care, food service, and hotel and travel industries have beenforced to examine their hygiene protocols and procedures to ensure thattheir personnel are adopting habits that are efficacious in theprevention of disease transmission.

In order to minimize the possibility of the transmission of bacteria orviruses by hand washing, full compliance with hand washing hygienestandards must be observed, as the failure of one individual to properlysanitize his or her hands can negate the efforts of others who come incontact with such individual. Thus, to ensure employees or otherindividuals have sufficient access to sanitizer, the current trend hasbeen to permanently install full-size dispensers at designated areasthroughout a building or work area. Such dispensers are rigidly affixedto a wall or counter and are capable of being refilled with sanitizerwhen they are emptied.

Unfortunately, such full-size fixed dispensers require that users returnto them each time they are in need of sanitizer, which is inconvenientas users generally require multiple sanitizer applications throughoutthe day. Also, if the user is required to travel out of his or her wayto obtain the sanitizer from the fixed dispenser, then he or she may beless inclined to sanitize their hands in accordance with predeterminedhygiene protocols. In addition, installation of a sufficient quantity offixed sanitizer dispensers to provide complete coverage throughout afacility, such as a hospital, would require a substantial cost.Moreover, in such a circumstance where there is a substantial number offull-size, fixed dispensers installed, an employee must periodicallyrefill the sanitizer dispensers, which is costly and time consuming.

Alternatively, while portable dispensers are available, they areinconvenient to refill with liquid material, such as soap or sanitizer.In addition, such portable dispenser devices fail to acquire hygienecompliance data, which is desirable.

Therefore, there is a need for a portable compliance dispenser that isworn or carried by a user. In addition, there is a need for a portablecompliance dispenser that is able to dispense liquid material, such assanitizer, that collects and transmits hygiene compliance data to aremote monitoring station. Still yet, there is a need for a portablecompliance monitor that dispenses liquid material, such as sanitizer,from a replaceable refill container.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In light of the foregoing, it is a first aspect of the present inventionto provide a portable compliance module to monitor the use of a refillcontainer to communicate hygiene compliance data to a compliance monitorwhen material is dispensed from the refill container, the portablecompliance module comprising a controller; a transmitter coupled to saidcontroller; a magnetic switch coupled to said controller; an attachmentclip adapted to be attached to the refill container; a container magnetattached to said attachment clip, said magnetic switch configured todetect the presence of said container magnet; and a retractable tethercoupled to said magnetic switch and to said container magnet; whereinsaid transmitter transmits a wireless compliance signal to thecompliance monitor when the presence of said container magnet is notdetected by said magnetic switch to indicate completion of a dispensingevent, said transmitter ceasing transmission of said wireless compliancesignal when said container magnet is detected by said magnetic switch.

It is a further aspect of the present invention to provide a portablecompliance dispenser configured to communicate hygiene compliance datato a remote compliance monitor comprising a refill container having apump element to dispense material therefrom when actuated and acompliance module comprising a stretchable sleeve adapted to receive atleast part of said refill container therein; and a communication modulehaving a control actuator carried by said sleeve; wherein when saidcontrol actuator is actuated, said communication module transmitscompliance data to the remote compliance monitor.

It is another aspect of the present invention to provide a portablehygiene compliance dispenser configured to communicate hygienecompliance data to a remote compliance monitor comprising a refillcontainer having a pump element to dispense material therefrom whenactuated and a compliance module comprising a body from which extends apair of attachment arms, wherein said arms are disposed about saidrefill container and removably attached to each other to retain saidcompliance module to said refill container; and a communication modulehaving a control actuator carried by said body; wherein when saidcontrol actuator is actuated, said communication module transmitscompliance data to the remote compliance monitor.

Yet a further aspect of the present invention is to provide a portablehygiene compliance dispenser configured to communicate hygienecompliance data to a remote compliance monitor comprising a refillcontainer having a pump element to dispense material therefrom whenactuated and a compliance module comprising a body having a retentionarm that is coupled to a retention ring by at least one coupling arch,wherein said retention ring is configured to receive said pump elementof said refill container therethrough, said retention arm and saidretention ring apply a compressive force to said refill container toretain said compliance module to said refill container; and acommunication module having a control actuator carried by said body;wherein when said control actuator is actuated, said communicationmodule transmits compliance data to the remote compliance monitor.

It is another aspect of the present invention to provide a portablehygiene compliance dispenser configured to communicate hygienecompliance data to a remote compliance monitor comprising a refillcontainer having an edge from which extends an attachment section, saidrefill container having a pump element to dispense material therefromwhen actuated; and a compliance module comprising a body from whichextends a hook and an attachment clamp, said clamp being removablyattached to said attachment section of said refill container; acommunication module disposed within said body; and an extension sectionextending from said body that carries a control actuator that is coupledto said communication module to a position substantially aligned withsaid pump element; wherein when said control actuator is actuated, saidcommunication module transmits a compliance signal to the remotecompliance monitor.

Yet a further aspect of the present invention is to provide a portablehygiene compliance dispenser configured to communicate hygienecompliance data to a remote compliance monitor comprising a refillcontainer having a pump element to dispense material therefrom whenactuated, and a compliance module comprising a body that includes anattachment clip, and a pivotably attached mounting clip, said mountingclip configured to be removably attached to said refill container; and acommunication module having a control actuator disposed within saidmounting clip; wherein when said control actuator is actuated, saidcommunication module transmits compliance data to the remote compliancemonitor.

Still another aspect of the present invention is to provide a portablecompliance module to monitor the use of a dispensing container having apump extending through a collar, so as to communicate hygiene compliancedata to a compliance monitor when material is dispensed from thedispensing container, the portable compliance module comprising acontroller; a transmitter coupled to said controller; a magnetic switchcoupled to said controller; a retainer adapted to be attached adjacentto the collar edge; a container magnet attached to said retainer, saidmagnetic switch configured to detect the presence of said containermagnet; and a retractable tether coupled to said magnetic switch and tosaid container magnet; wherein said transmitter transmits a wirelesscompliance signal to the compliance monitor when the presence of saidcontainer magnet is not detected by said magnetic switch to indicatecompletion of a dispensing event, said transmitter ceasing transmissionof said wireless compliance signal when said container magnet isdetected by said magnetic switch.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

These and other features and advantages of the present invention willbecome better understood with regard to the following description,appended claims, and accompanying drawings where:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a portable compliance dispenser incommunication with a remote monitoring station in accordance with theconcepts of the present invention;

FIG. 2A is a perspective view of a front section of a refill containerused by the portable compliance dispenser that contains liquid materialto be dispensed in accordance with the concepts of the presentinvention;

FIG. 2B is a perspective view of a rear section of the refill containerin accordance with the concepts of the present invention;

FIG. 2C is a bottom plan view of the attachment end of the refillcontainer in accordance with the concepts of the present invention;

FIG. 3A is an elevational view of one embodiment of a portablecompliance dispenser showing the refill container separated from acompliance module in accordance with the concepts of the presentinvention;

FIG. 3B is a partial elevational view of the portable compliance moduleof FIG. 3A showing the refill container magnetically coupled to thecompliance module in accordance with the concepts of the presentinvention;

FIG. 3C is a side elevational view of the portable compliance module ofFIG. 3A in accordance with the concepts of the present invention;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a communication module removablyretained in a carrying case provided by the compliance module shown inFIG. 3A in accordance with the concepts of the present invention;

FIG. 5 is a block diagram of the communication module utilized by theportable compliance dispenser shown in FIGS. 3A-C in accordance with theconcepts of the present invention;

FIG. 6A is a front elevational view of an alternate portable compliancedispenser in which a compliance module comprises a stretchable sleevethat is attached to the refill container in accordance with the conceptsof the present invention;

FIG. 6B is a side elevational view of the portable compliance dispenserof FIG. 6A in accordance with the concepts of the present invention;

FIG. 7 is a block diagram of another communication module utilized byalternative portable compliance modules in accordance with the conceptsof the present invention;

FIG. 8A is an elevational view of an alternate portable compliancedispenser retained to the refill container by a fabric body inaccordance with the concepts of the present invention;

FIG. 8B is a side elevational view of the portable compliance dispenserof FIG. 8A in accordance with the concepts of the present invention;

FIG. 8C is an elevational view of the portable compliance dispenser ofFIG. 8A showing the retention arms used to attach the compliance moduleto the refill container in accordance with the concepts of the presentinvention;

FIG. 9A is an elevational view of another embodiment of the portablecompliance dispenser having a compliance module that comprises a clipthat is retained to the refill container in accordance with the conceptsof the present invention;

FIG. 9B is a side elevational view of the portable compliance dispenserof FIG. 9A in accordance with the concepts of the present invention;

FIG. 9C is an elevational view of the clip used to retain the compliancemodule of FIG. 9A to the refill container in accordance with theconcepts of the present invention;

FIG. 10A is an elevational view of an alternate portable compliancedispenser having a compliance module that is attached to the refillcontainer by a clip in accordance with the concepts of the presentinvention;

FIG. 10B is a side elevational view showing the portable compliancedispenser of FIG. 10A in accordance with the concepts of the presentinvention;

FIG. 10C is a rear elevational view of the portable compliance dispenserof FIG. 10A in accordance with the concepts of the present invention;

FIG. 11A is a perspective view of an alternate portable compliancedispenser that includes a compliance module that includes a carabinerclip and separated from the refill container in accordance with theconcepts of the present invention;

FIG. 11B is a perspective view of the portable compliance dispenser ofFIG. 11A attached to the refill container in accordance with theconcepts of the present invention;

FIG. 11C is a rear perspective view of the portable compliance dispenserof FIG.

11A in accordance with the concepts of the present invention;

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a portablecompliance dispenser in accordance with the concepts of the presentinvention;

FIG. 13 is an exploded view of the portable compliance dispenser of FIG.12 in accordance with the concepts of the present invention;

FIG. 14 is a block diagram of the portable compliance dispenser of FIG.12 in accordance with the concepts of the present invention;

FIG. 15A is an elevational view of the portable compliance dispenser ofFIG. 12 showing the tether in a retracted position in accordance withthe concepts of the present invention; and

FIG. 15B is an elevational view of the portable compliance dispenser ofFIG. 12 showing a tether in an extended position in accordance with theconcepts of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

A portable compliance dispenser that is wearable by an individual isgenerally referred to by the numeral 10, as shown in FIG. 1 of thedrawings. The dispenser 10 comprises a compliance module 12 thatwirelessly communicates hygiene compliance data with a remote monitoringstation or compliance monitor 14 when liquid material, such assanitizer, is dispensed from a refill container 20 that is operativelycoupled to the module 12. Thus, the portable compliance dispenser 10provides a manner in which liquid material, such as sanitizer, can beportably dispensed from a replaceable refill container while collectingand communicating hygiene compliance data associated with its usage.

Specifically, the portable compliance dispenser 10 comprises a pluralityof compliance modules 12, which are designated by identifiers A-G.Specifically, the compliance modules 12A-F are configured for attachmentwith the refill container 20 shown in FIGS. 2A-C, while compliancemodule 12G is configured for attachment to a dispensing container to bediscussed below. The refill container 20 is configured as a modular unitand is able to carry an amount of any liquid material, such as soap,sanitizer, or moisturizer for example. Specifically, the refillcontainer 20 comprises an elongated body 26 formed of any suitablematerial, such as plastic, and has opposed front and rear sections 30and 32, which are joined about an edge 40 having opposed lateralportions 40A and 40B. The lateral portions 40A-B of the edge 40 aredefined by two pairs of substantially rounded or curved shouldersections 50A and 50B, which extend away from a central midline 52 of therefill container 20. The pairs of shoulders 50A and 50B are spaced apartalong the midline 52 to form a waist 60 in the region therebetween thatis approximately in the middle of the refill container 20. The refillcontainer 20 includes a dispensing end 62 that is proximate to theshoulders 50A, and an opposed attachment end 64 that is proximate to theshoulders 50B. Extending from the edge 40 of the refill container 20 atthe dispensing end 62 is a tab 70 that includes a dispensing port 74that is in fluid connection with the liquid material contained in therefill container 20. The attachment end 64 of the refill container 20includes a cavity 76, as shown in FIG. 2C, with a substantially planarattachment section 78 extending from the edge 40. The front section 30of the refill container 20 also includes a pump element, such as domepump 80 that when compressed by a user's hand or fingers, generates thenecessary pressure to force the liquid material out of the dispensingport 74, thereby dispensing the liquid material to the user. As such,the shape and configuration of the refill container 20 is modular,allowing it to be compatible with the various compliance modules 12A-Fthat are discussed in detail below. In one aspect, the refill container20 may comprise a pouch, for example.

In one embodiment of the portable compliance dispenser 10, a compliancemodule 12A is shown in FIGS. 3A-C and 4. Specifically, the compliancemodule 12A comprises a carrying case 82, shown clearly in FIG. 4, whichincludes a base 83 that is pivotably attached to a lid 84 by a hinge 85,such as a living hinge. The base 83 is configured to house and retain acommunication module 86, which includes a magnetic switch 88 that isdimensioned to be received within a notch 90 disposed in the peripheryof the base 83. As such, when the module 86 is disposed within the base83, the lid 84 may be closed and retained to the base 83 using anysuitable means, such as a snap, latch, or the like. The case 82 alsoincludes a carrying clip 92 that is suitable for removably attaching thecase 82 to the user. The magnetic switch 88 is configured to detect theproximity of the container magnet 110 that is carried by or otherwiseattached to an attachment clip 112 that is attached (or removablyattached) to the refill container 20. It should be appreciated that theattachment clip 112 may be coupled to the refill container 20 using anysuitable means of fixation, including compressive attachment or adhesivefor example. Furthermore, the magnetic switch 88 and the containermagnet 110 are joined by a retractable tether 114, which may compriseany suitable cable, cord, line, or the like, or alternatively, thetether 114 may comprise an elastic cord or band that is configured toelastically urge the container magnet 110 and the magnetic switch 88together. In other words when the compliance module 12A is in use, thetether 114 serves to normally urge the container magnet 110, as well asthe refill container 20, to be proximate to the communication module 86such that the magnetic switch 88 detects the presence of the containermagnet 110. Alternatively, when the refill container 20 is to be used,the tether 114 allows the refill container 20 and container magnet 110to be pulled or moved away from or outside of the magnetic detectionrange of the magnetic switch 88.

The communication module 86, shown in FIG. 5, comprises a controller 120that includes the necessary hardware and/or software to carryout thefunctions to be discussed. Coupled to the controller 120 is a wirelesstransmitter 130 that is configured to transmit or otherwise communicatewireless signals, such as a hygiene compliance signal, that containhygiene compliance data to the remote monitoring station 14 in a mannerto be discussed. In one aspect, the transmitter 130 may be replaced witha transceiver that is capable of transmitting and receiving data to andfrom the remote monitoring station 14. The magnetic switch 88 is coupledto the controller 120, which is configured to detect the presence andnon-presence of the container magnet 110, as previously discussed.Moreover, the controller 120 and the transmitter 130 are powered by apower source 140, such as a battery or solar cell for example.

The remote monitoring station 14 that is used to communicate with thecompliance module 12A, as well as compliance modules 12B-G to bediscussed, comprises any suitable computing system that is configured toreceive the wireless hygiene compliance signal and data sent from thecompliance modules 12A-G. In one aspect, the remote monitoring station14 may include input and output devices, such as a keyboard, mouse, andmonitor. This allows users of the monitoring station 14 to analyze andprocess the received hygiene compliance data to determine if individualswearing the compliance modules 12A-G are in compliance withpredetermined hygiene standards and protocols.

Thus, during operation of compliance module 12A, the tether 114 is in anormally retracted state such that the container magnet 110 is withinthe detection range of the container magnet 110. As such, when thecontainer magnet 110 is moved out of the detection range of the magneticswitch 88 by extending the tether 114 in order to dispense material fromthe refill container 20, the compliance module 12A transmits a wirelesshygiene compliance signal or compliance data to the remote monitoringstation 14 via the transmitter 130 to indicate that the refill container20 is being used and that a hygiene compliance and dispensing event hasoccurred. That is, the remote monitoring station 14 identifies thetransmission of the hygiene compliance signal or compliance data andrecords it as a completion of a hygiene compliance event, signifyingthat liquid material in the refill container 20 has been dispensed fromthe dispensing port 74 by the user of the dispenser 10 by depression ofthe dome pump 80. After the dispensing event has been completed and thetether 114 is retracted such that the presence of the container magnet110 is detected by the magnetic switch 88, the transmitter 130 isdisabled so that it does not transmit the compliance signal or data.

It should be appreciated that each compliance module 12A may be assigneda unique identification code that is associated with transmitted hygienecompliance signal and data sent to the remote monitoring station 14.This allows an administrator of the monitoring station 14 to identifyand discretely monitor one or more users wearing the compliance module12A to determine if he or she is in compliance with predeterminedhygiene standards and protocols, based on the collected hygienecompliance data.

In another embodiment of the portable compliance dispenser 10, acompliance module 12B for use with the refill container 20 is shown inFIGS. 6A-B. The compliance module 12B comprises a sleeve 200, which maybe formed from any suitable material, such as fabric, as well asstretchable material including latex, neoprene, or the like. The sleeve200 includes opposed front and rear sections 210 and 220 that form acavity to receive the refill container 20 therein. As such, when thesleeve 200 is installed, the front section 210 of the sleeve 200 isconfigured to be disposed adjacent to the front section 20 of the refillcontainer 20, such that the dome pump 80 of the refill container 20 isreceived through a receiving aperture 222 provided by the front section210 of sleeve 200.

A communication module 240 is embedded within the rear section 220 ofthe sleeve 200, such that it is adjacent to the rear section 32 of therefill container 20 when the sleeve 200 is installed over the refillcontainer 20. The communication module 240, shown in detail in FIG. 7,includes a controller 242, which has the necessary hardware and/orsoftware that is needed to carryout the functions to be discussed.Coupled to the controller 242 is a wireless transmitter 244 that isconfigured to transmit a hygiene compliance signal and data to theremote monitoring station 14. In one aspect, the transmitter 244 maycomprise a transceiver that is capable of transmitting and receivingdata to and from the remote monitoring station 14. The communicationmodule 240 is powered by a power source 245, such as a battery or solarcell for example. A control actuator 246 is coupled to the controller242 and is configured to extend through an actuator aperture 248disposed through the rear section 220 of the sleeve 200. However, it isalso contemplated that the control actuator 246 may be maintainedbeneath the rear section 220 of the sleeve 200 as well, so that it ishidden from view. It should be appreciated that the control actuator 246may comprise a manually-actuated button or switch or may comprise anytouch or pressure-sensitive sensor. In one aspect, the control actuator246 may comprise a biometric sensor that is configured to detect afingerprint, for example. The communication module 240 is configured totransmit a wireless hygiene compliance signal and data when the controlactuator 246 is actuated.

Moreover, the communication module 240 is assigned a uniqueidentification code that is associated with the transmitted hygienecompliance signal and data. This allows an administrator of thecompliance station 14 to identify and discretely monitor one or moreusers wearing the compliance module 12B to determine if he or she is incompliance with predetermined hygiene standards and protocols, based onthe collected hygiene compliance data.

Disposed about the periphery of the sleeve 200 is a top aperture 260 andtwo laterally-oriented and opposed shoulder apertures 270A and 270B,which are dimensioned to respectively receive the tab 70 and theshoulders 50A that extend from the refill container 20. As such, whenthe refill container 20 is received or at least partially receivedwithin the sleeve 200, the tab 70 is permitted to extend through the topaperture 260, while the shoulders 50A are dimensioned so that theyextend through the shoulder apertures 270A and 270B. As a result, thecontrol actuator 246 is disposed through the actuator aperture 248 inthe rear section 220 of the sleeve 200 and is substantially aligned withthe dome pump 80 disposed through the receiving aperture 222 in thefront section 210 of the sleeve 200.

In order to attach the compliance module 12B to a user or individual, anattachment loop 280 is provided, which extends from the sleeve 200 at apoint between the top aperture 260 and the shoulder aperture 270B,although the attachment loop 280 may be provided at any desired positionon the sleeve 200.

Thus, during operation of the communication module 12B, the usersqueezes or otherwise depresses the dome pump 80, while engaging thecontrol actuator 246 with his or her fingers. The compression of thedome pump 80 dispenses the liquid material from the refill container 20,while the engagement of the control actuator 246 causes the wirelesshygiene compliance signal and associated hygiene compliance data to betransmitted from the transmitter 244 to the remote compliance monitoringstation 14. The monitoring station 14 records the received compliancesignal as a completed hygiene event that is associated with the specificidentification code assigned to the specific compliance module 12B. Itshould be appreciated that the manner of operation of compliance module12B and the communication module 240 used therewith is equivalent tothat of compliance modules 12C-F, which are discussed in detail below.

In yet another embodiment of the portable compliance dispenser 10, acompliance module 12C for use with the refill container 20 is shown inFIGS. 8A-C. Specifically, the control module 12C comprises a body 300having opposed retention arms 310A and 310B extending therefrom at asubstantially right angle, which may comprise any suitable material,such as fabric, including stretchable material, such as neoprene, latex,or the like. In one aspect, the body 300 may have a substantially curvedupper edge 320 that terminates at points 322 where each retention arm310A-B extends from the body 300 at a substantially right angle. Thebody 300 has opposed inner and outer surfaces 330,332, with acompartment 334 disposed on the outer surface 332. Removably receivedwithin the compartment 334 is the communication module 240, aspreviously discussed, which includes the control actuator 246. It shouldalso be appreciated that the communication module 240 may be carried ina housing, such as an impact-resistant housing, so that it can bereadily removed and reinstalled into another compliance module 12C asdesired.

The retention arms 310A-B include respective attachment sections 340Aand 340B, such that the attachment section 340A is provided on the outersurface 332 of the retention arm 310A, and the attachment section 340Bis provided on the inner surface 340 of the retention arm 301B. Itshould be appreciated that the attachment sections 340A-B may comprisehook and loop material, such as VELCRO®, or any other suitable materialor device, such as a snap button, clip, tie, or the like. As such, thearms 310A-B of the body 300 are wrapped around the waist 60 of the body26 of the refill container 20 and retained thereabout by coupling theattachment sections 340A-B together, such that the control actuator 246is substantially aligned with the dome pump 80.

To facilitate the attachment of the compliance module 12C to a user, anattachment ring 350 is coupled to the rear surface 332 of the body 300,allowing the compliance module 12C to be removably attached to a beltloop or other item on the user.

Thus during operation of the compliance module 12C, the control actuator246 is engaged, and the dome pump 80 is depressed, resulting in theliquid material being dispensed from the refill container 20 and thehygiene compliance signal, compliance data, and identification codebeing transmitted from the remote communication module 240 to the remotemonitoring station 14, as discussed with regard to compliance module12B.

In another embodiment of the portable compliance dispenser 10, aportable compliance module 12D for use with the refill container 20 isshown in FIGS. 9A-C. The portable compliance module 12D includes a body400 that comprises a retention arm 410 that is coupled to a retentionring 420 by a pair of coupling arches 430. In one aspect, the body 400may be formed from any suitable material, such as plastic, steel, oraluminum, for example. The compliance module 12D is attached to therefill container 20, so that the retention arm 410 is adjacent to therear section 32 of the refill container 20 and the retention ring 420 isadjacent to the front section 30 of the refill container 20.Specifically, the compliance module 12D is attached to the refillcontainer 20, whereby a curved gripping section 440 provided by the clip40 compressively grips the rear section 32 of the refill container 20,while a retention aperture 450 provided by the retention ring 420receives the dome pump 80 therethrough. To ensure that the compliancemodule 12D remains in place when attached to the refill container 20,the coupling arches 430 impart a compression force to both the retentionarm 410 and the retention ring 420.

Embedded within the retention arm 410 is the communication module 240previously discussed with regard to compliance module 12B. As such, thecontrol actuator 246 is positioned so as to be substantially alignedwith the dome pump 80 when the compliance module 12D is attached to therefill container 20.

Thus, during operation of the compliance module 12D, the dome pump 80and the control actuator 246 are engaged by the user's hands or fingersto dispense material from the refill container 20. Simultaneously, thecommunication module 240 wirelessly transmits the hygiene compliancesignal, compliance data, and associated unique identification code tothe remote monitoring station 14, which records the received compliancesignal as a completed hygiene event associated with the uniquecompliance module identification code.

In yet another embodiment of the portable compliance dispenser 10, aportable compliance module 12E for use with the refill container 20 isshown in FIGS. 10A-C. The compliance module 12E comprises asubstantially elongated body 500 that has a hook 510 at one end and anattachment clamp 520 at its other end. The body 500 has opposed frontand rear surfaces 522,524, and may be formed from any suitable material,such as plastic, aluminum, or the like. The hook 510 is dimensioned toattach to any suitable structure, such as a belt loop of a user, forexample. The end of the hook 510 also includes a curved end 530 fromwhich extends a lock tab 532. The curved end 530 of the hook 510 isdimensioned to be received and retained within a correspondingly shapeddepression 540 disposed in the body 500. To prevent the curved end 530from inadvertently becoming disengaged from the body 500, the depression540 includes a lock aperture 542 that is dimensioned to receive the locktab 532. Thus, when the curved end 530 of the hook 510 is inserted intothe depression 540, a closed loop is formed, which secures thecompliance module to the user wearing the compliance module 12E.

The attachment clamp 520 includes lock arm 550 that when actuated, opensand closes a pair of substantially parallel and opposed jaws 560 thatare configured to compressively engage the attachment section 78, asshown in FIG. 2C, of the refill container 20 that is disposed in thecavity 76. As such, the attachment clamp 520 allows the communicationmodule 12E to be readily removed and attached to the refill container 20as needed.

Extending from the rear surface 524 of the body 500 is an extensionsection 570, shown in FIG. 10C, which may be formed of any suitablematerial such as plastic or metal, which follows the contour of the rearsection 32 of the refill container 20. The extension section 570 carriesthe control actuator 246 that is coupled to the communication module 240that is disposed within the body 500. Specifically, the control actuator246 is mounted at a position that is substantially aligned with the domepump 80 of the attached refill container 20. Thus, when the controlactuator 246 and dome pump 80 are engaged, the refill container 20dispenses the liquid material while the compliance module 12Esimultaneously transmits the hygiene compliance signal and data, alongwith the compliance module identification code, to the monitoringstation 14 as previously discussed.

In yet another embodiment of the portable compliance dispenser 10, acompliance module 12F for use with the refill container 20 is shown inFIGS. 11A-C. Specifically, the communication module 12F comprises a body600 from which extends an attachment clip 610, such as a carabiner clip,at one end and a pair of pivot arms 620 at another end. The attachmentclip 610 includes a spring-biased closure arm 621, allowing thecompliance module 12F to be removably attached to any desired item orstructure provided by a user. Pivotably attached to the pivot arms 620at a pivot point 624 is a mounting clip 630. The mounting clip 630comprises a lock arm 640 and control arm 650 that extend from each otherat an angle at attachment points 660. That is, the lock arm 640 and thecontrol arm 650 comprising the mounting clip 630 are rigidly attached toeach other at attachment points 660, while the mounting clip 630 ispivotably attached to the pivot arms 620 that extend from the body 600at the pivot points 624. In addition, the lock arm 640 includes aretainer 670 that includes a retaining aperture 680 that is dimensionedto receive the dome pump 80 provided by the refill container 20therethrough.

The compliance module 12F is attached to the refill container 20, suchthat the lock arm 640 and the control arm 650 are configured to slideover the dispensing end 62 of the refill container 20. During theattachment of the control module 12F to the refill container, theretainer 670 of the lock arm 640 is slid over the dome pump 80, so thatit is received within the retaining aperture 680, while the control arm650 applies a compressive force to the rear section 32 of the refillcontainer 20. It should be appreciated that the dome pump 80 of therefill container 20 may be snap-fit into the retaining aperture 680 ofthe retainer 670, so as to attach the compliance module 12F to therefill container 20 without the compressive action of the control arm650. Once the dome pump 80 is received within the retainer 670, thecompressive force generated between the lock arm 640 and the control arm650 is imparted to the refill container 20, thus retaining thecompliance module 12F to the refill container 20.

Disposed within the control arm 650 of the compliance module 12F is thecommunication module 240, as previously discussed. The communicationmodule 240 is configured such that the control actuator 246 issubstantially aligned with the dome pump 80 when the compliance module12F is attached to the refill container 20. This ensures that thecontrol actuator 246 is engaged to denote a completed hygiene event whenthe dome pump 80 is depressed to dispense liquid material from therefill container 20. Alternatively, the compliance module 12F may beconfigured, such the pivoting motion of the control arm 650 allows thecontrol actuator 246 to be moved so that it is compressed by the body600 of the compliance module 12F, thus indicating a completed hygieneevent.

Thus, during operation of the compliance module 12F, when the controlactuator 246 and the dome pump 80 are depressed, liquid material isdispensed from the refill container 20, and a wireless hygienecompliance signal and data, along with the unique compliance moduleidentification code, are wirelessly transmitted to the remote monitoringsystem 14, as previously discussed.

In another embodiment of the portable compliance dispenser 10, aportable compliance module 12G for use with the refill container 20 isshown in FIGS. 12-15. Specifically, the compliance module 12G isconfigured to be used with a dispensing container 700 having a neck 702to which an annular collar 710 is threadably attached, as shown in FIG.12, or other attachment point, such as an attachment aperture forexample. The dispensing container 700 includes a pump 712 extendingthrough the collar 710 that when actuated dispenses any suitable liquidmaterial, such as soap or sanitizer for example, therefrom.Specifically, the collar 710 provides an annular collar edge 714 thatcircumscribes the neck 702 of the dispensing container 700.

The compliance module 12G includes a housing 720 that carries a supportmember 740 to which a tether retractor 760 and a power source 780, suchas a battery, are attached. The housing also includes a carrying clip782 that is configured to be attached to an individual's belt or otheritem to allow the compliance module 12G to be worn. The tether retractor760 is configured to retract a tether 800 that is coupled at one end tothe tether retractor 760 and that is coupled at its other end to aretainer 810. The tether 800 may comprise any suitable material asdiscussed above with regard to tether 114, while the retainer 810 isdimensioned to have a substantially annular shape to allow it to bestretched around the collar 710 so that is retained under its collaredge 714 to thus couple the compliance module 12G to the dispensingcontainer 700. That is, the retainer 810 is made from any suitablestretchable material, such as rubber for example, that allows theretainer 810 to be stretched around the collar 710, whereupon itcompresses or constricts about the neck 702 of the dispensing container700, such that it engages the collar edge 714 of the collar 710. Inanother aspect, the retainer 810 may comprise a clip or hook that isconfigured to be attached to the attachment aperture (not shown)provided by the dispensing container 700. It should be appreciated thatthe tether 800 comprises a retractable cable that is spring biased, oran elastic cord that urges the magnet 830 and the magnetic switch 840together. The retainer 810 also includes A container magnet 830 attachedthereto, the presence of which is detected by a magnetic switch 840 thatis carried by the tether retractor 760 to be discussed. In addition, thetether retractor 760 includes a controller 850 that is coupled to themagnetic switch 840, the power source 780, and to a transmitter 870.

Thus, during operation of the compliance module 12G, the dispensingcontainer 700 is fully retracted by the tether 800 so that the presenceof the container magnet 830 is magnetically detected by the magneticswitch 840, as shown in FIG. 15A. However, when the user desires todispense material from the container 700 the container magnet 830 ismoved away from the magnetic switch 840, as shown in FIG. 15B. As themagnetic switch 840 detects the removal of the container magnet 830 outof its detection range, the transmitter 870 transmits a wireless hygienecompliance signal or compliance data to the remote monitoring station 14to indicate that material is being dispensed from the dispensingcontainer 700, and that a hygiene compliance event has occurred.Moreover, when the magnetic switch 840 detects the presence or proximityof the container magnet 830, the controller 850 acknowledges that thedispensing container 700 is not being used to dispense materialtherefrom and the transmission of the compliance signal or data by thetransmitter 870 is terminated.

It will, therefore, be appreciated that one advantage of one or moreembodiments of the present invention is that a portable compliancedispenser can be removably coupled to a refill container that containsany liquid material, such as soap, sanitizer, or moisturizer. Anotheradvantage of the present invention is that the portable compliancedispenser is configured to wirelessly transmit hygiene compliance datato monitor the usage of the refill container each time the dispenser isactuated. Still another advantage of the present invention is that theportable compliance dispenser can be easily worn or carried by a user.

Although the present invention has been described in considerable detailwith reference to certain embodiments, other embodiments are possible.Therefore, the spirit and scope of the appended claims should not belimited to the description of the embodiments contained herein.

1. A portable compliance module to monitor the use of a refill containerto communicate hygiene compliance data to a compliance monitor whenmaterial is dispensed from the refill container, the portable compliancemodule comprising: a controller; a transmitter coupled to saidcontroller; a magnetic switch coupled to said controller; an attachmentclip adapted to be attached to the refill container; a container magnetattached to said attachment clip, said magnetic switch configured todetect the presence of said container magnet; and a retractable tethercoupled to said magnetic switch and to said container magnet; whereinsaid transmitter transmits a wireless compliance signal to thecompliance monitor when the presence of said container magnet is notdetected by said magnetic switch to indicate completion of a dispensingevent, said transmitter ceasing transmission of said wireless compliancesignal when said container magnet is detected by said magnetic switch.2. The portable compliance dispenser of claim 1, further comprising ahousing to carry said controller and said transmitter.
 3. The portablecompliance dispenser of claim 2, further comprising a carrying case toremovably carry said housing therein, said carrying case including acarrying clip.
 4. The portable compliance dispenser of claim 2, whereinsaid tether is retractable within said housing.
 5. A portable compliancedispenser configured to communicate hygiene compliance data to a remotecompliance monitor comprising: a refill container having a pump elementto dispense material therefrom when actuated; and a compliance modulecomprising: a stretchable sleeve adapted to receive at least part ofsaid refill container therein; and a communication module having acontrol actuator carried by said sleeve; wherein when said controlactuator is actuated, said communication module transmits compliancedata to the remote compliance monitor.
 6. The portable compliancedispenser of claim 5, wherein said control actuator is substantiallyaligned with said pump element of said refill container.
 7. A portablehygiene compliance dispenser configured to communicate hygienecompliance data to a remote compliance monitor comprising: a refillcontainer having a pump element to dispense material therefrom whenactuated; and a compliance module comprising: a body from which extendsa pair of attachment arms, wherein said arms are disposed about saidrefill container and removably attached to each other to retain saidcompliance module to said refill container; and a communication modulehaving a control actuator carried by said body; wherein when saidcontrol actuator is actuated, said communication module transmitscompliance data to the remote compliance monitor.
 8. The portablehygiene compliance module of claim 7, wherein said control actuator issubstantially aligned with said pump element of said refill container.9. A portable hygiene compliance dispenser configured to communicatehygiene compliance data to a remote compliance monitor comprising: arefill container having a pump element to dispense material therefromwhen actuated; and a compliance module comprising: a body having aretention arm that is coupled to a retention ring by at least onecoupling arch, wherein said retention ring is configured to receive saidpump element of said refill container therethrough, said retention armand said retention ring apply a compressive force to said refillcontainer to retain said compliance module to said refill container; anda communication module having a control actuator carried by said body;wherein when said control actuator is actuated, said communicationmodule transmits compliance data to the remote compliance monitor. 10.The portable hygiene compliance module of claim 9, wherein said controlactuator is substantially aligned with said pump element of said refillcontainer.
 11. A portable hygiene compliance dispenser configured tocommunicate hygiene compliance data to a remote compliance monitorcomprising: a refill container having an edge from which extends anattachment section, said refill container having a pump element todispense material therefrom when actuated; and a compliance modulecomprising: a body from which extends a hook and an attachment clamp,said clamp being removably attached to said attachment section of saidrefill container; a communication module disposed within said body; andan extension section extending from said body that carries a controlactuator that is coupled to said communication module to a positionsubstantially aligned with said pump element; wherein when said controlactuator is actuated, said communication module transmits a compliancesignal to the remote compliance monitor.
 12. The portable hygienecompliance module of claim 11, wherein said control actuator issubstantially aligned with said pump element of said refill container.13. A portable hygiene compliance dispenser configured to communicatehygiene compliance data to a remote compliance monitor comprising: arefill container having a pump element to dispense material therefromwhen actuated; and a compliance module comprising: a body that includesan attachment clip, and a pivotably attached mounting clip, saidmounting clip configured to be removably attached to said refillcontainer; and a communication module having a control actuator disposedwithin said mounting clip; wherein when said control actuator isactuated, said communication module transmits compliance data to theremote compliance monitor.
 14. The portable hygiene compliance module ofclaim 13, wherein said control actuator is substantially aligned withsaid pump element of said refill container.
 15. A portable compliancemodule to monitor the use of a dispensing container having a pumpextending through a collar, so as to communicate hygiene compliance datato a compliance monitor when material is dispensed from the dispensingcontainer, the portable compliance module comprising: a controller; atransmitter coupled to said controller; a magnetic switch coupled tosaid controller; a retainer adapted to be attached adjacent to thecollar edge; a container magnet attached to said retainer, said magneticswitch configured to detect the presence of said container magnet; and aretractable tether coupled to said magnetic switch and to said containermagnet; wherein said transmitter transmits a wireless compliance signalto the compliance monitor when the presence of said container magnet isnot detected by said magnetic switch to indicate completion of adispensing event, said transmitter ceasing transmission of said wirelesscompliance signal when said container magnet is detected by saidmagnetic switch.
 16. The portable compliance dispenser of claim 15,further comprising a housing to carry said controller and saidtransmitter.
 17. The portable compliance dispenser of claim 16, furthercomprising a carrying case to removably carry said housing therein, saidcarrying case including a carrying clip.
 18. The portable compliancedispenser of claim 16, wherein said tether is retractable within saidhousing.